Home Carpet One

Carpets and flooring are a big deal - and a big investment. Even buying a small area rug is a big deal for us; we just want things to last and to not get sick of something too quickly.

We've seen Home Carpet One pop up in several comment threads on AT, and finally decided to check it out. Its central Lakeview location means we'd been by the giant 10,000 square foot showroom dozens of times. The biggest surprise for us: It's not all about carpets.

The store stocks a number of hardwoods, natural stone, laminate, linoleum, and mosaic tiles (for floors, backsplash and countertops). Like many, we have looked into bamboo and cork floorings as renewable possibilities. The closer we get to some new kitchen flooring, the more exciting these ideas become.

Home Carpet One also carries the "largest selection of carpet in Chicago, including several wools, berbers, solid loops, tactesse nylons, friezes, plushes, and commercial carpets." Price points for carpet start at $1.99 sq. ft. (installed), and $3.99 sq. ft. (installation not included) for hardwood.

We were also pleased to discover the store's involvement in community donations:

July 2005 – Lincoln Park ZooWe recently donated used wall-to-wall carpeting tubes to the Lincoln Park Zoo. The tubes are used for helping the animals hunt for food. Since being in captivity the animals have no natural ways of hunting, so by providing them with such activities this can keep their skills sharp and less domesticated.

Bi-Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Mats SaleHome Carpet One sells specially designed (pink ribbon) doormats with a percentage of the profits donated to Breast Cancer Foundation. Mats are available year round, with new designs available each spring and fall.

Make a Difference DayHome Carpet One has also donated wall-to-wall carpeting to schools and churches in the surrounding community. Just last spring, Home Carpet One participated in "Make a Difference Day" by carpeting the Louis Mary Alcott School's auditorium for absolutely not charge. Carpet One received a National Award for its efforts on "Make a Difference Day".

St. Suzanne's Woman's ShelterHome Carpet One donated carpet and installation to a needy woman's shelter in Harvey, Illinois.

We're impressed. Anyone have firsthand experience with Home Carpet One??